Promised Land by Brian Stableford Page A

accessory to a crime. With your co-operation we could have ended this whole affair, but you’ve contrived to turn it into a diplomatic incident. We demand your co-operation now in tracking down the kidnapper and the victim. Now get off this circuit and give me someone who’s empowered to give me that co-operation.’
    Strong stuff.
    A new voice issued from the speaker.
    â€˜This is Commander Hawke of the Zodiac ,’ it said. ‘Your official request is noted. We have no evidence that any crime has been committed. We had not, and have not, any grounds for apprehending the White Fire . The ship had no permission to land, but that is entirely our affair and we intend taking no action. When we have been approached by the proper authorities we will consider your request for assistance in this matter. Permission to land is refused.’
    Sock it to ’em, son, I thought. Don’t be railroaded. Stick up for your rights. I didn’t say a word out loud lest my loyalties be questioned.
    â€˜This is Titus Charlot of New Alexandria,’ said Charlot. ‘I am the administrator of the Anacaon colony on New Alexandria. The security of that colony is my sole responsibility. I have the legal right to demand that you give me all possible assistance in carrying out my responsibilities toward the members of that colony. One of them has been kidnapped and the kidnapper is currently at large on your world. This situation is due entirely to your lack of co-operation. If you do not immediately review your position and give us all the help we need I will request official intervention by the Law Enforcement Agencies of New Rome.’
    As he stopped, he glanced at me, and I could see the glitter in his eye. He thought he was winning.
    I thought he was winning, too, unless Hawke could come back just as strong.
    But Hawke had faltered. He was thinking instead of holding fast.
    â€˜Can you give us proof of what you say?’ he demanded.
    â€˜It can be proven,’ said Charlot.
    â€˜Then prove it.’
    â€˜We are in possession of a warrant for the arrest of the Anacaon woman known as Lenah, late of the New Alexandrian colony.’
    â€˜The warrant comes from New Rome?’ Hawke queried, knowing damn well it didn’t.
    â€˜The warrant was issued in full accordance with the Law of New Rome,’ said Charlot firmly.
    There was another pregnant pause. ‘The woman will be arrested,’ said Hawke finally.
    â€˜When?’
    â€˜As soon as possible.’
    â€˜That’s not good enough. A girl has been kidnapped. A child. We demand the immediate mounting of a search party, and we further demand that our personnel should accompany that party. We demand that all possible resources be brought to bear.’
    â€˜They will be,’ said Hawke, offhandedly. ‘But we cannot accede to your request to land.’
    â€˜You’d better,’ said Charlot, unpleasantly and succinctly, ‘or I’ll have a New Roman cruiser here with six hundred troops.’
    That was a big lie, and I knew it. But did Hawke? And what would the New Roman Embassy have to say about the magnitude of such a threat, coming, as it did, from an administrator of the Library?
    â€˜You’ll have to wait,’ said Hawke sharply.
    â€˜How long?’ said Charlot, reluctant to let it go.
    â€˜You’ll have your answer within the hour,’ he said.
    â€˜Make it twenty minutes,’ said Charlot.
    â€˜One hour,’ said Hawke. ‘You are ordered to wait.’ He put a faint but definite stress on the word ‘ordered.’
    The circuit snapped shut.
    â€˜I don’t think you handled that very well,’ I told Charlot
    â€˜I don’t care what you think,’ he replied. He was still mad.
    â€˜I could have done it better myself,’ I remarked, trying to needle him. I’d probably never have another opportunity.
    But he shut up tight. The long wait began again.
    I was